As plans for proposed upgrades to the heritage listed Croydon train station were released earlier this year, Burwood mayor, John Faker, has assured the changes won’t affect Croydon’s appearance.

The train station was constructed in 1875 making it one of Croydon’s oldest landmarks.

Faker told El Telegraph Weekend that his office is working closely with the NSW Government to insure the historical nature of the area isn’t affected by the upgrades.

Some residents have raised concerns that the changes will impact on Croydon’s historical and heritage significance.

Faker says the upgrades are essential since the station has no lift or ramp access.

“In its current state, Croydon Station is not functional for our seniors, people with a disability and parents with prams, who need to travel all the way to Burwood Station because they cannot use the stairs at Croydon,” Faker told El Telegraph Weekend.

Croydon Station. Photo: Curtis Mayfield M-H.

Over 1,000 residents of Sydney’s inner-west have signed a petition in support of upgrades to the station.

Transport for NSW has stated that an “experienced heritage consultant will be engaged to carry out an impact assessment for Croydon Station.”

News about the upgrades first broke in August, 2014 when then Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian, announced the construction would be part of the government’s $770 million Transport Access Program.

According to the Office of Environment & Heritage website the station “has the potential to contribute to the local community’s sense of place” and provides a connection to the community’s past.

Faker says the planning and heritage assessment documents for the upgrades will be displayed for the public later in the year and will be open for community feedback.

Croydon station is a 20 minute train ride into Sydney’s CBD and is located on the T2 Inner West & South line.